Head of Events & Catering in Oxford

Head of Events & Catering in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Events & Catering function at the Ashmolean Museum, delivering high-quality events.
  • Company: Join the prestigious Ashmolean Museum and be part of a vibrant cultural institution.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while showcasing your event management skills.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in events and catering management with strong organisational skills.
  • Other info: Full-time role with potential for home-working based on the events programme.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

In this role, you will work within the Commercial Department in the Ashmolean Museum, which supports the museum through income from catering, retail, publishing and venue hire. You will lead our Events & Catering function, overseeing retail catering, venue hire and corporate membership. You will set commercial plans, manage supplier relationships and ensure excellent service standards. You will lead a team of Events Managers and support staff development. You will also oversee financial performance, ensure legal and safety compliance, and work closely with colleagues to deliver high-quality events. This is a full-time post, working 37.5 hours per week. The role is predominantly based on-site, but some level of home-working is available, dependent on the events programme.

You will have strong experience in events and catering management, with a track record of delivering high-quality events and managing budgets. You will be confident working with suppliers, leading a team and building positive relationships with clients and colleagues. You will be well organised, calm under pressure and comfortable managing multiple priorities. Experience in museums, corporate membership schemes or systems such as Artifax would be helpful but not essential.

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered. Only applications received online by 12:00 midday (GMT) on Friday 16th January 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 2nd February or Tuesday 3rd February 2026.

Contact National Museum Directors' Council, National Museums Liverpool, World Museum, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EN

Head of Events & Catering in Oxford employer: Nationalmuseums

The Ashmolean Museum offers a vibrant and dynamic work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. As the Head of Events & Catering, you will be part of a prestigious institution that values employee development and provides opportunities for growth within the cultural sector. With a focus on delivering exceptional service and high-quality events, you will enjoy the unique advantage of working in a historic setting while contributing to the museum's mission of engaging the public through innovative catering and event experiences.
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Contact Detail:

Nationalmuseums Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Events & Catering in Oxford

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the events and catering industry. Attend relevant events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your past successes in managing events and budgets. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality experiences and manage teams effectively.

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Research companies you admire, like the Ashmolean Museum, and reach out directly. Express your interest in their events and catering functions, and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! Make sure to follow the application instructions carefully. Tailor your supporting statement to address each selection criterion in the job description. This shows you’re serious about the role and understand what they’re looking for.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Events & Catering in Oxford

Events Management
Catering Management
Budget Management
Supplier Relationship Management
Team Leadership
Client Relationship Building
Organisational Skills
Calm Under Pressure
Multi-Priority Management
Financial Performance Oversight
Legal Compliance
Safety Compliance
Experience in Museums
Knowledge of Corporate Membership Schemes
Familiarity with Artifax Systems

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to address each of the essential and desirable criteria listed in the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for, so be specific and give examples!

Show Off Your Experience: Highlight your background in events and catering management. We love to see a track record of delivering high-quality events, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes and how you managed budgets effectively.

Be Organised and Clear: When writing your application, keep it structured and easy to read. We appreciate clarity, so use headings and bullet points where necessary to make your key points stand out.

Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application online through our website by the deadline. We won’t consider CVs alone, so make sure you include that supporting statement to give us the full picture of your skills!

How to prepare for a job interview at Nationalmuseums

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of events and catering management. Brush up on your knowledge about the Ashmolean Museum, its events, and how they operate. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and managing supplier relationships. Think of specific situations where you’ve successfully navigated challenges or improved service standards. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Events & Catering function effectively.

✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle multiple priorities or a high-pressure situation. Prepare scenarios from your past experiences that showcase your organisational skills and calmness under pressure. This will help you illustrate your problem-solving abilities.

✨Tailor Your Supporting Statement

When writing your supporting statement, make sure to address each selection criterion listed in the job description. Use clear examples from your experience that align with what they’re looking for. This is your chance to shine, so don’t hold back!

Head of Events & Catering in Oxford
Nationalmuseums
Location: Oxford

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